EU Naval Forces Stop Sixth Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker in Mediterranean Sea
European military forces in the Mediterranean Sea have stopped another tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, bringing the total number of vessels intercepted to six.
According to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, the MV SUN was boarded by EU Naval Operation IRINI forces on August 30 to inspect its flag. The vessel is believed to be transporting Russian oil, bypassing international sanctions, primarily to India and Turkey.
The Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense reported that the SUN flies the flag of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, further fueling suspicions about its involvement in the Russian shadow fleet. The GUR has been monitoring the vessel’s activities and has identified it as part of a larger network of ships used to circumvent international sanctions against Russia.
Kallas emphasized that the illicit sale of oil from shadow fleet vessels is a vital source of support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, stating, “The SUN became the sixth vessel to be stopped by EU forces in recent months due to suspicions of belonging to the Russian shadow fleet. We will continue to block these channels.”
EUNAVFOR MED IRINI Mission: Monitoring Compliance and Combating Illegal Oil Exports
Launched on March 31, 2020, the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI mission aims to monitor compliance with the UN arms embargo on Libya as well as combat illegal oil exports and other violations in the Mediterranean Sea. The mission has been instrumental in disrupting the Russian shadow fleet’s activities, with six vessels stopped in recent months.
The EU Naval Operation IRINI forces have been working closely with international partners to identify and intercept vessels suspected of violating international maritime law. The mission has also contributed to the overall security and stability of the region by promoting compliance with UN resolutions and international sanctions.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Russian shadow fleet will adapt to the increased scrutiny and enforcement efforts. However, one thing is clear: the EU Naval Operation IRINI forces are committed to disrupting the flow of illegal oil exports and upholding international law in the Mediterranean Sea.
Original Article: EU troops stop another Russian shadow fleet tanker in the Mediterranean Sea — the sixth — Babel